HRH The Prince of Wales went by the nickname “Bertie” and was one of the original sources of inspiration for the lion comique tradition. While Charlie’s
mother aspired to a Lillie Langtry life style, Charlie’s father aspired to be a Bertie-like character (onstage and off). Other famous lion comiques who also modeled themselves after the Prince of Wales included Alfred Vance, George Leybourne and Arthur Lloyd.

THREE OF BERTIE’S FRIENDS AND ADMIRERS

George Leybourne was occasionally invited to give private performances for HRH The Prince of Wales. His theme song Champagne Charlie was (as already mentioned) the most famous drinking song of the lion comique era. :

Alfred Vance had a casual but personal friendship with HRH The Prince of Wales
.
Arthur Lloyd was the first of the lion comiques.